We need leaders who look more like Jesus – The Christian Chronicle

Leadership matters. In fact, when it comes to the health of a church, as the leadership goes, so goes the church. This conviction underpins a new series of guest opinion articles launching in *The Christian Chronicle*, which will explore the dimensions of Christian leadership from diverse perspectives within the Churches of Christ.

The series begins with an article by Jason Thompson, a ministry consultant who has collaborated with over 80 congregations across 23 states. Thompson, who has served the same church for 22 years, reflects on the importance of leadership in shaping the spiritual and communal life of a congregation. He emphasizes that leadership is not merely about titles or positions but about influence, stewardship, and the responsibility to guide others toward their divine calling.

Thompson highlights the Churches of Christ’s commitment to shared leadership, a model that both inspires and challenges. He notes that leadership in this tradition is not about personal gain or tradition preservation but about serving others and fostering growth. This aligns with the biblical principle found in Micah 6:8, which calls for people to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.

Jesus redefined leadership by modeling service rather than dominance. In the Gospels, He washed His disciples’ feet, demonstrating that true leadership involves humility and selflessness. Thompson calls for leaders who embody this spirit—those who are willing to admit they may be wrong, who listen before they speak, and who can disagree without becoming disagreeable.

The series will feature contributions from leaders across different regions, congregations, and worship practices. Some will come from churches that still use songbooks, while others will have praise teams. Despite these differences, all contributors share a commitment to an authoritative view of Scripture, the active presence of God in the world, and the primacy of the Gospel.

Steve Bonner, chair of Lipscomb University’s Undergraduate Bible Department, is associated with the Pastoral Leadership Program, which aims to cultivate leaders who are secure enough to celebrate others’ success. This reflects a broader movement within the Churches of Christ to prioritize relational and servant leadership.

As the series unfolds, it will offer a platform for diverse voices to explore how leadership can shape the future of the Churches of Christ. The goal is to inspire leaders who not only reflect the values of their congregations but also embody the example of Jesus Christ.

Source: Read the original report